Rauner Signs Juvenile Justice Reform Legislation

The bill, which takes effect in January, also prevents such automatic transfers for 16 and 17 year-olds, unless they have been charged with first-degree murder and other serious crimes.

As part of the reforms that were approved by Rauner, juvenile offenders would also be kept out of state facilities for misdemeanors.

"For most juvenile offenders, especially those who have committed non-violent crimes, we see better outcomes and lower rates of recidivism when they are able to live in the community and attend school, rather than being detained in a facility far from home," said the legislation's sponsor, State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago).

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle also advocated for the legislation.